At Burkett Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families who have been affected by these life-altering events. Our top-rated truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi is here to support you and fight for the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving in Trucking
Distracted driving can happen for many reasons, especially in the trucking industry. Here are the most common causes:
Use of Mobile Devices
Texting or calling while driving is one of the biggest distractions. Even hands-free devices can take a driver’s focus off the road.
Eating or Drinking While Driving
Truck drivers often eat on the go to save time, which can distract them from driving safely.
Adjusting Controls or Using In-Cab Technology
Modern trucks are equipped with navigation systems and other tools, which can distract drivers when they’re being adjusted.
External distractions
Billboards, roadside accidents, or other events outside the truck can cause a driver to lose focus.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving by Truck Drivers
When truck drivers are distracted, the consequences can be deadly. Here are some of the key dangers:
- Increased stopping distance for large trucks: Trucks need much more time and space than smaller vehicles. Distractions delay reaction times, making accidents more likely.
- Severity of accidents involving distracted truck drivers: A truck’s size and weight can cause severe damage in a collision, leading to devastating injuries or fatalities.
- Impact on passenger vehicle occupants: People in smaller vehicles are more vulnerable and often suffer the worst injuries in truck accidents.
Legal Obligations for Truck Drivers and Companies
Truck drivers and their employers must follow strict safety rules to protect roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates truck drivers’ use of handheld devices while driving. Employers are also responsible for ensuring drivers follow these rules by providing proper training and enforcing policies that discourage distracted driving.
Types of Accidents Caused by Distracted Truck Drivers
Distracted driving can result in a variety of accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Rear-end collisions: Distracted truck drivers may not stop in time, slamming into vehicles ahead.
- Jackknife accidents: Sudden braking or steering due to distractions can cause a truck to fold, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
- Rollover accidents: When a distracted driver loses control, a truck may tip over, especially on curves or ramps.
- Side-swipe and underride collisions: Inattention can cause trucks to drift into other lanes or strike smaller vehicles.
Evidence in Distracted Driving Truck Accident Cases
To prove distracted driving, you need solid evidence. Here are the key types of evidence used in these cases:
Cell Phone Records
These can show whether a driver was texting or making calls while the accident took place.
Dashcam Footage and Surveillance Videos
Videos can provide a clear picture of what happened before the crash.
Witness Statements
People who saw the accident can describe the driver’s behavior leading up to the crash.
Black Box Data from Trucks
These devices record important information, such as speed, braking, and steering, which can help determine what happened.
Determining Liability in Distracted Driving Cases
In distracted driving cases, multiple parties may be held accountable. Liability often includes:
- The truck driver: Drivers are responsible for paying attention to the road and avoiding distractions.
- The trucking company: Employers may be held liable under vicarious liability laws if they failed to enforce safety policies or allowed unsafe practices.
- Potential third-party responsibility: In some cases, another party, such as a maintenance provider or parts manufacturer, may also share blame.
How a Corpus Christi Distracted Driving Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been hurt due to a distracted driving truck accident, working with an experienced lawyer is essential. These cases can be extremely challenging, but a dedicated lawyer can help in several ways:
Investigating the Accident
A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident to uncover evidence of distracted driving and determine liability. This includes identifying responsible parties, such as the truck driver, the truck company, or other third parties.
Collecting and Analyzing Evidence
Building a strong case requires gathering critical evidence, such as cell phone records, dashcam footage, and eyewitness testimony. An attorney will analyze this information to demonstrate that the truck driver’s distraction directly caused the accident.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as adjusters often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer will advocate for fair compensation, handling negotiations on your behalf to ensure you receive the financial support you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
By working with a Corpus Christi distracted driving truck accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal work and fight for the justice you deserve.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
It is important to take legal action to recover compensation for the harm caused by a distracted truck driver. Victims may be entitled to:
- Medical bills, both immediate and long-term
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
Challenges in Distracted Driving Truck Accident Claims
- Proving negligence and distracted behavior: Trucking companies and their drivers often deny fault, making it necessary to gather compelling evidence.
- Dealing with trucking company defense tactics: These companies have lawyers and insurance adjusters working to protect their interests.
- Handling disputes with insurance providers: Insurance companies may offer low settlements or argue about the severity of your injuries, which can delay the process.
How Burkett Law Firm Can Help
At Burkett Law Firm, we understand your challenges after a truck accident. Our team has extensive experience handling cases involving distracted driving and trucking accidents. We create personalized legal strategies for each client, focusing on their unique needs. Over the years, we’ve built a strong track record of successful outcomes, helping countless clients recover the compensation they deserve.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
After a truck accident, taking quick action is crucial. In Texas, a legal deadline, called the statute of limitations, restricts how long you have to file a claim. Waiting too long can mean losing your chance to seek justice. Acting fast allows important evidence to be preserved, witnesses to be interviewed while their memories are fresh, and your case to move forward without unnecessary delays.
By contacting a distracted driving truck accident attorney near me as soon as possible, you increase your chances of building a strong case and receiving the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Corpus Christi Distracted Driving Truck Accident Lawyers
Distracted driving by truck drivers puts everyone on the road at risk. When accidents happen, it is essential to hold drivers and companies accountable for their actions. At Burkett Law Firm, we are here to fight for your rights and help you through every step of the legal process.
If you were injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. Contact our no-win, no-fee distracted driving truck accident lawyer in Corpus Christi today for a consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.